CISF and IIT Kanpur sign two MoUs to enhance cyber security and counter-drone capabilities

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) to strengthen its capabilities in cyber security as well as drone and counter-drone technologies to protect critical and strategic infrastructure.

The agreements signed today include a six-week residential cybersecurity training program through C3iHub, IIT Kanpur, and the establishment and development of a Center of Excellence (CoE) in drones and counter-drone technologies at CISF MPRTC in Behrora, Rajasthan.

These initiatives are part of the force’s efforts to develop specialized capabilities to combat emerging technology-based security threats.

Under the first MoU, the IHUB NTIHAC Foundation (C3iHub), IIT Kanpur, will conduct a six-week residential cybersecurity training program over a period of three years. The program will be offered on a not-for-profit basis, with no tuition fees.

Each team will consist of 40 designated CISF personnel. The curriculum will cover critical information infrastructure and industry-specific cyber threats related to aviation, power and nuclear facilities, as well as digital forensics, incident detection and response, disaster recovery and business continuity.

The program will also address emerging threats related to artificial intelligence and machine learning, deepfakes, Internet of Things, cloud computing and operational technologies. Simulation of multi-sectoral crises will be part of the training.

The cyber security partnership is in line with the vision laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the DsGP/IsGP-2024 and the directions of the Union Home Minister to develop cyber-capable security forces and strengthen specialized cyber commando capabilities in central armed police forces and state police organizations.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the CISF by Senthil Avudai Krishna Raj S, IPS, IG/CISF Airport Sector-I, and Dr. Tanima Hajra, CEO, C3iHub. Professor Surender Baswana, Program Director; Dr. Ras Dwivedi, Technical Director; Dr. Anand Handa, Director of Security; and Ajaya Kumar Misra, CFO, were also present.

The second MoU sets out a five-year framework for collaboration between the CISF and IIT Kanpur to establish and develop a Center of Excellence in Drones and Counter-Drone Technology at the CISF MPRTC at Behra.

The proposed center will focus on specialized training as well as the development and operation of drone and counter-drone systems. His areas of work will include UAV operations, drone forensics and cybersecurity of unmanned systems.

The collaboration will also facilitate joint research in the areas of rogue drone analysis, RF and micro-Doppler detection, integrated counter-UAV systems and high-altitude operations.

As part of this initiative, both institutions will work to develop simulators, forensic laboratories, training programs and technical infrastructure to support specialized training, research and operational readiness.

The MoU was signed by Dr. K. Dhananjaya Naik, DIG/CISF MPRTC, Behor and Prof. Jayandharan G. Rao, Dean, R&D, IIT Kanpur. Senthil Avudai Krishna Raj S, Savitoj Singh Gill, AIG/NCR Zone and Domain Head for Drones and Counter Drones and Prof. Navroz from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur, were present at the signing.

The latest agreements expand CISF’s institutional partnerships with leading academic and technology organizations including IIT Madras (Pravartak), IIT Ropar, IIITDM Kancheepuram, IIT Kanpur and the Drone Federation of India.

CISF’s recent partnership with the Drone Federation of India also covers anti-drone standard operating procedures, forensic analysis, red team exercises and engagement with Indian drone technology companies.

Together, the new initiatives aim to strengthen the specialized workforce, applied research, technical infrastructure and operational capabilities in two rapidly growing security areas.

The proposed Center of Excellence at Behra is expected to provide a dedicated institutional platform for ongoing training, research and development in counter-drone technologies, while the cyber security program will empower CISF personnel to respond to increasingly sophisticated threats to critical infrastructure.

The partnerships also support the development of indigenous technology solutions and specialized expertise in line with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat, with a focus on enhancing the security of critical and strategic infrastructure.